Malaysia’s External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) hosted a seminar for SMEs on export opportunities for Malaysian halal products and services, held in partnership with global logistics consultant Nippon Express and Brahim’s Holdings, highlighting how the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will provide the perfect opportunity for Malaysian companies to explore the market for halal products in Japan.

“Ongoing efforts have been taken to create a conducive environment to provide sufficient halal products for the athletes, tourists and the Muslim population in Japan during the run-up to this international sporting event,” said Matrade CEO Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud.

Arrival numbers for Muslim visitors to Japan are expected to reach one million by 2020, up from 400,000 in 2014, creating a wide audience for halal products and services. Last year, Malaysia exported RM2.2 billion worth of halal products to the country – and cosmetics and personal care products are among the most popular exports.